Vol 36, (8) 577–672
Sex, contraception and health
Melissa Kang MBBS, MCH, is Lecturer, Department of General Practice, The University of Sydney at Westmead Hospital, Honorary Consultant to the NSW Centre for the Advancement of Adolescent Health, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, and a general practitioner specialising in youth health, western Sydney, New South Wales.
Rachel Skinner MBBS, PhD, FRACP, is an adolescent physician, Princess Margaret Hospital, Perth, and Senior Lecturer in the School of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Western Australia.
Terri Foran MBBS, FAChSHM, is Conjoint Lecturer, School of Women’s and Children’s Health, the University of New South Wales, Medical Officer, The Royal Hospital for Women, and a sexual health physician in private practice, Darlinghurst and Artarmon, New South Wales.
BACKGROUND Young Australian people aged 12–25 years are sexually active at a younger age and have more sexual partners compared to previous generations. Pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection (STI) rates are high in this age group. Sexual violence, discrimination against same sex attracted youth, and associated health risk behaviours such as alcohol and drug use are also important sexual health issues for adolescents.
OBJECTIVE This article describes current trends in adolescent sexual health in Australia, provides an update on contraception, screening and prevention of STIs, and provides practical tips on how to discuss sexual health with adolescent patients.
DISCUSSION General practitioners can play an important role in protecting and promoting the sexual health of their adolescent patients. Together with educational and public health strategies, effective clinical care provided by GPs can help to improve current sexual health issues faced by young people and prevent long term health problems.
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AFP Audio: Interviews with Dr Melissa Kang
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